Melbourne, Nov. 12 : They may have had all their plans chalked out for dealing with India’s master class batting line-up, the dusty pitches and had the experts to deal with all aspects of the game, but according to a Herald Sun report, the Australian cricket team simply came apart during the four Test series.

They had no clue to the reverse swing of the Indian pacers. In fact, one former Australian fast bowler, playing in the rebel Indian Cricket League, couldn''t believe the tourists had no idea about this skill.

Reverse swing was a major issue in Bangalore and Mohali, but other problems abounded.

Brett Lee was a series-long worry, as he toiled fruitlessly, sometimes appearing at a complete loss as why he was able to deliver the Indian batters on a platter to his mates with his searing pace. He ended up with a shocking bowling average of over 61 per wicket.

Stuart Clark was also a major disappointment. The development of Shane Watson and Mitchell Johnson and the debut of Peter Siddle were rare positives.

Australia could have gambled and picked Jason Krejza earlier, but when you return miserable match-figures of 0-199 in the Hyderabad tour match, you can’t expect to be picked.

According to the paper, picking Cameron White was a mystery, for he barely bowls for Victoria, and ended being Australia''s No. 1 Test spinner in the first three Tests
(Bangalore, Mohali and Delhi) and batted at No. 8.

The big disappointment was Matthew Hayden, who passed 50 just twice and failed to post a ton. Hayden was underdone heading into this campaign because of injury and suffered because of it.

Mike Hussey and Simon Katich had steady series, but Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke would want their time again.

As far as leadership was concerned, Ponting was twice found at the center of controversy.

In Mohali, it was in a public spat with Brett Lee. In Nagpur, it was again over-rates, and a stunning decision to use his part-time bowlers that may have cost Australia the series. (ANI)